US Civics Exam

Welcome to the US Civics Exam. People who apply to become US citizens must pass this quiz to become naturalized. 97% pass but nearly half of Americans, and most of our children, can’t answer six out of ten of these questions correctly. It’s not their fault. The basic knowledge of civics and history that we used to take for granted are often not covered in school anymore. And we know that a lack of civic knowledge and skills lowers the chances that children will grow up to achieve a lifetime of citizenship. We think a primary purpose of schools is to prepare students to be active and enthusiastic participants in our democracy. If you agree join us!

Can You Pass the US Civics Exam?

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The U.S. Naturalization Exam is a basic test of civic knowledge and history that immigrants must pass in order to become U.S. citizens. Think you can pass the test? Give it a try!

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Question 1

Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

A

Sandra Day O’Conner

B

William Rehnquist

C

Antonin Scalia

D

John Roberts

E

Sonya Sotomayor

Question 2

What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

A

the Declaration of Independence

B

the Bill of Rights

C

the inalienable rights

D

the Articles of Confederation

E

the Federalist Papers

Question 3

What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

A

never travel outside the United States

B

give up loyalty to other countries

C

disobey the laws of the United States

D

not defend the Constitution and laws of the United States

E

to register to vote

Question 4

When was the US Constitution written?

A

1776

B

1789

C

1812

D

1787

E

1865

Question 5

What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

A

Hillary Clinton

B

Barack Obama

C

Joe Biden

D

John Boehner

E

Nancy Pelosi

Question 6

What does the judicial branch do?

A

resolves disputes

B

decides if a law goes against the Constitution

C

reviews laws

D

all of these answers

E

interprets laws passed by the Congress

Question 7

The House of Representatives has how many members?

A

435

B

535

C

100

D

525

E

354

Question 8

Who has the power to veto a bill?

A

the Secretary of State

B

the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

C

the Vice President

D

the President

E

the Speaker of the House

Question 9

What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

A

the Senate and House of Representatives

B

the House of Representatives and the courts

C

the House of Lords and the House of Commons

D

the Senate and the courts

E

the Supreme Court and the Cabinet

Question 10

The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.

A

John Adams

B

George Washington

C

James Madison

D

Thomas Jefferson

E

Benjamin Franklin

Question 11

Name one problem that led to the Civil War.

A

sugar

B

westward expansion

C

slavery

D

oil

E

fascism

Question 12

Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

A

because the stripes represent the members of the Second Continental Congress

B

because it was considered lucky to have 13 stripes on the flag

C

because the stripes represent the original colonies

D

because the stripes represent the number of signatures on the U.S. Constitution

E

because the stripes represent the number of amendments in the Bill of Rights

Question 13

Why did the colonists fight the British?

A

because they didn't have self-government

B

because of high taxes

C

because the British army stayed in their houses

D

all of these answers

E

the colonies were in debt to Britain and the Crown wanted the debt repaid

Question 14

Where is the Statue of Liberty?

A

Long Island

B

New York Harbor

C

San Francisco Bay

D

Boston Harbor

E

The Atlantic Ocean

Question 15

What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?

A

saved (or preserved) the Union

B

established the United Nations

C

declared war on Great Britain

D

purchased Alaska

E

defeat the Nazis

Question 16

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

A

ten (10)

B

twenty-three (23)

C

twenty-one (21)

D

twenty-seven (27)

E

eighteen (18)

Question 17

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

A

eight (8)

B

nine (9)

C

twelve (12)

D

seven (7)

E

six (6)

Question 18

What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?

A

to bear arms

B

to vote

C

speech

D

trial by jury

E

freedom of association

Question 19

What does the President's Cabinet do?

A

commands the U.S. Armed Forces

B

makes laws

C

all of these answers

D

advises the President

E

writes laws

Question 20

After the Vice President who is next in line of succession for the presidency?

A

Speaker of the House

B

President Pro Temp of the Senate

C

The First Lady

D

Secretary of State

E

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

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Unfortunately, you did not pass. Don't feel badly. More than half of Americans fail this test of basic civics and history.

Unfortunately, you did not pass. Don't feel badly. More than half of Americans fail this test of basic civics and history.

Congratulations. You are in good company. 97% of new citizens who take the quiz pass. Unfortunately most native-born students fail.

Congratulations. You are in good company. 97% of new citizens who take the quiz pass. Unfortunately most native-born students fail.

Congratulations. You are in good company. 97% of new citizens who take the quiz pass. Unfortunately most native-born students fail.